While most nine-year-olds are busy playing computer games, one sporty youngster is planning to take on an epic sponsored challenge to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Sam Grant, of Wellingborough, plans to run 3km, cycle 10km, swim 25 lengths and play snooker for seven hours during the February half-term holiday to raise money for Whitworth Football Club’s new clubhouse fund.

Arsonists targeted Whitworth Sports and Social Club, home to Wellingborough Whitworth FC, in London Road, Wellingborough, last October.

The Park Junior School pupil has already raised almost £300 towards the appeal.

He said: “I am looking forward to it. Hopefully people will sponsor me.”

His mum Julie Grant said Sam had initially asked if he could donate his own money for the new clubhouse, but after members of the club’s committee said they couldn’t take his pocket money off him, he came up with the idea for the sponsored sporting challenge.

Julie said: “His father and uncles have played football and cricket for Whitworths over the years and his grandfather helps there regularly.

“So instead of giving his pocket money, he decided recently to take part in his own sponsored event.”

Sam’s dad Shaun added: “I was quite surprised because he came up with the idea himself. He’s sports-mad anyway, so the running and cycling won’t be a problem for him.”

Grandmother Carol Grant said: “He was quite sad when he saw the clubhouse had burnt down. But we couldn’t believe it when he said what he is going to do. I am so proud of him.”

Sam will be completing his challenge over the course of a couple of days during half-term. He will be playing snooker at The Palace Snooker Club,Wellingborough, after the owner said he could use the club for free. Anyone who would like to sponsor Sam on his sporting challenge can email his family at jgr3011@googlemail.com.